Report: UN concerned about the rights of Serbs in Kosovo

2024-11-23 21:00:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

A report by the UN Secretary General to the Security Council describes serious human rights concerns affecting the Serbian community in Kosovo. In this report dated October 14, 2024, unilateral actions of Pristina authorities, institutional malfunction and restrictive social and economic measures, which have violated the rights of Kosovo Serbs, are mentioned.

The actions of the authorities brought tension and mistrust

"The authorities of Pristina took a series of actions that have affected the daily life of Kosovo Serbs and other non-majority communities," says the report, which also mentions the broad international reaction that condemned the unilateral actions of official Pristina. Among the main violations are mentioned "violation of basic rights, interruption of vital services, restriction of freedom of movement, expropriation of property and violations of religious and cultural rights". All these are said to have "contributed to tensions and mistrust between communities affected".

Report: UN concerned about the rights of Serbs in Kosovo

The report documents unilateral actions by the Pristina authorities which, as it says, "have led to the closure of institutions funded by Serbia", and in this way have made the daily life of Kosovo Serbs and other non-majority communities difficult. Concern is also raised about possible actions against Serbian educational and health institutions, underlining the urgent need to protect the economic and social rights of these communities.

Obstacles in everyday life

The report also mentions the regulation of the Central Bank of Kosovo CBK, through which the use of the Serbian Dinar in Kosovo was prohibited, defining the Euro as the only currency for use. "Restrictions on Serbian goods and the closure of Serbian post offices in northern municipalities have forced affected residents to cross administrative lines to secure essential services, such as withdrawing wages, pensions and social benefits," the report states. It is emphasized that "these actions not only do they hinder the daily life and socioeconomic rights of those affected, but they also endanger progress and collective stability".

In the UN report, attention is also drawn to some allegations of human rights violations related to the implementation of the law. It mentions the arrest of four young Serbs from North Mitrovica, where it is said that "they were ill-treated and denied health care".

Report: UN concerned about the rights of Serbs in Kosovo

Stability risk

The UN Secretary General's report also mentions the measure of Pristina authorities where "over 100 plots of land in Zubin Potok and Leposaviq have been expropriated", for infrastructure projects without local consultation, significantly affecting the property rights of Kosovo Serbs. "These measures, described without sufficient consultation and transparency, are considered a threat to stability and trust in government".

The UN report also states that "Serb media remain restricted in Kosovo, making Serbian print newspapers inaccessible". "This limits Kosovo Serbs' access to freedom of expression and information, giving them preventing them from following relevant news and cultural content".

At the end of this report, the "urgent need for dialogue and cooperation" is mentioned, and it is requested that measures be taken to guarantee the rights of non-majority communities, especially the Kosovo Serbs, promoting regional peace and stability.

Kurti: We establish the rule of law

The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, for his part, said that "his government is establishing the rule of law and public order, as well as ensuring peace and security for all citizens of Kosovo, without distinction".

Report: UN concerned about the rights of Serbs in Kosovo

But the European Union, the United States of America and Germany, several times this year through statements, have expressed their disappointment with the uncoordinated actions of the Kosovo government in the north of the country. Such a harsh reaction was after the Kosovo government in two separate operations closed eight subsidiaries of the Post of Serbia in Kosovo and several parallel Serbian municipalities. "The uncoordinated actions put the citizens of Kosovo and KFOR soldiers at greater risk, unnecessarily escalate regional tensions and damage Kosovo's name as a reliable international partner," the American embassy in Pristina./ DW